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Although recent history shows there is no such thing as a sure thing in South Carolina politics, in November Tim Scott is likely to become the first black Republican congressman from the Palmetto State since Reconstruction, and the only -- or perhaps one of several -- African-American GOP-ers in the next Congress.

Scott is likely to become a significant force in Washington. No newcomer to politics, he knows is way around politics and government. He served 10 years on the Charleston County Council and a term in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he was elected president of the freshman class. His recent statements on the NAACP's denunciation of racism in the tea party movement were not defensive, right-wing screeds, but thoughtful and fact-based comments. Neither a passionate ideologue like Alan Keyes nor a sports celebrity like J.C. Watts, Scott is a matter-of-fact, up-by-his bootstraps small businessman and successful politician in local government. He is likely to be a positive force for a broader base in the GOP. In addition, his voice is likely to be heeded on both sides of the aisle.

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